Have you ever felt like you and your children were on parade as you were walking through stores? People notice children, when they are behaving well and when they are not.

I believe the scripture says we are on parade in 2 Cor. 2:14-16: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. ¹⁵For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?” 

Could a trip to Wal-mart really be a victory march? Is grocery shopping an opportunity to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ? My countenance, the way I dress, the way I relate to store personnel and customers, the way I speak to my children, and the way my children behave can and should show the beauty of the Lord our God (Psalm 90:17).

What a privilege!  What a challenge!  Who is equal to such a task?

I am sure I fail more than I want to admit, but keeping the victory parade verse in mind helps me focus on the ministry opportunity instead of the minor annoyances of my day.

Try sharing the victory march challenge with your children before you go out. Remind them of the opportunity to share Christ by the way they walk, smile, and listen to instruction. They may walk taller knowing they are on duty, in active service for the Lord.